Guam - Frances Marie Calvo Monge, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer, Pacific Telestations Inc., was named the 2013 First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business Magazine Businesswoman of the Year at the eighth annual Maga'haga Award Gala on April 27.

Through her work at KUAM, Monge has played a significant role in maintaining a connection with Guam's community and the network of Guamanians all over the world. She is dedicated to keeping up with changes and demands in industry technology and she maintains KUAM's influence in a competitive marketplace.

In 2001, Monge co-founded the KUAM Careforce, a community service initiative organization of the stations of KUAM. Through the Careforce, Monge has created public service media campaigns showcasing local organizations and building awareness for issues of importance to the community.

Colleagues describe her as brilliant in business, unsurpassed in creativity, committed to her community and as a wonderful wife and mother.

Monge is married to Eli Monge and has two daughters, Noelle Veronica, 14; and Reese Frances, 11.

Monge was selected from nine nominees in this year's annual award program, which recognizes businesswomen who have made significant contributions to their industries and have demonstrated a strong commitment to their community. She is featured in a commissioned photo study on the cover of Guam Business Magazine May-June issue, which was released at the gala.

The other eight nominees were J. Victoria "Vicky" Benavente, Executive Assistant, Pacific Islands Club Saipan; Loisa Cabuhat, Realtor, Coral Sea Realty; Dr. Annette David, Director, Consulting Services, Health Partners LLC; Annie G. Hayes, Assistant General Manager, Herman's Modern Bakery; Lisa Lenckowski, Marketing Manager, Outrigger Guam Resort; Geraldine "Geri" Leon Guerrero, General Manager, Adztech & Public Relations; Beatrice P. "Tricee" Limtiaco, President, Perez Bros. Inc.; and Cecilia T. Y. "Nancy" Robato, Principal Broker, Pacific Pearl Properties.

This year's judges were Laura-Lynn V. Dacanay, Senior Vice President, Guam and NMI Region Manager, First Hawaiian Bank; Maureen N. Maratita, Publisher, Guam Business Magazine; Mary P. Rhodes, 2012 Businesswoman of the Year, President of the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association and President of MARQ Consulting Services; Joyce Quinata Crisostomo, 2011 Businesswoman of the Year, Executive Director of Cars Plus and President of Payless Car Rental; Anna Wang Kao, 2010 Businesswoman of the Year, Founder and President of Genghis Khan Furniture Co.; Lorraine S. Okada, 2009 Businesswoman of the Year, former Executive Manager of Carlsmith Ball LLP, and President and Owner of Managing Consulting Services; Julienne Rose Perez Duenas, 2008 Businesswoman of the Year, Physical Therapist, Owner and Clinical Director of Sports, Orthopedic and Active Rehabilitation Inc.; Christine Won Pat Baleto, 2007 Businesswoman of the Year, General Manager of Market Wholesale Distributors; and Katherine Calvo Sgro, 2006 Businesswoman of the Year, Executive Vice President and Chairwoman of the Board of Pay-Less Markets Inc.

Several hundred attended the event. Proceeds from the gala will fund scholarships at the University of Guam, Guam Community College and Northern Marianas College.

For more information contact Jacqueline Guzman, assistant editor, Guam BusinessMagazine at (671) 649-0883 ext. 125 or assist_editor@glimpsesofguam.com or Lou Sanchez , sales and marketing manager, First Hawaiian Bank at (671) 475-7853 or lsanchez@fhb.com.

Glimpses Publications contributed to this report